Question 1

You should pick a sextant up by…

Accepted Answer

The frame or handle, never the arc, arm or mirrors — The arc’s graduation and the mirror geometry ARE the instrument’s accuracy. Grease and knocks on them are errors you will measure into every sight.

Question 2

The mirror that moves with the index arm is…

Accepted Answer

The index mirror, on the pivot at the top of the frame — The index mirror turns with the arm and catches the body; the horizon mirror is fixed in front of the telescope and shows horizon and reflected body together.

Question 3

Before ANY sun work with a sextant…

Accepted Answer

Flip down the shades — an unfiltered sun through the optics injures eyes permanently — The telescope concentrates sunlight. Shades first, every time — eyes do not heal.

Anatomy, in your hands

This lesson is part of a paid course